Neuropathic pain is
pain caused by damage or disease affecting the
somatosensory nervous system. Neuropathic pain may be associated with abnormal sensations called
dysesthesia or pain from normally non-painful stimuli (
allodynia). It may have continuous and/or episodic (
paroxysmal) components. The latter resemble stabbings or electric shocks. Common qualities include burning or coldness, "pins and needles" sensations, numbness and itching.